[nightnurse613]

Some areas have a requirement to replace a regular pool pump with one of those new variable speed. They run almost a thousand dollars but do save you electricity, which, as some one pointed out, will only get more expensive. We have had a pool for twenty years. Sand filter is the way to go. Cartridge filters do filter more efficiently but there are like vacuum bags, efficiency decreases as soon as you turn it on. You will have to replace the sand every three to five years (cheaper than a cartridge). I have to agree, Leslie's does seem to be more expensive than anyone else. Look around for a local pool shop (mom and pop). Build a relationship with them. Even Leslie's will test your water for free (then they sell you the chemicals). We were using about 4 bottles of chlorine every two weeks during swimming season (at $15 a case). We found a local pool service that checks and adjusts the chemicals every two weeks for $40 so we no longer keep any pool chemicals at the house (grand kids)! Hopefully trees from miles away do not blow their leaves in your pool, just dust.